Episode #34: Mer-man of the hour

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With the holidays hot on our trail we invite the Chancelor-of -Cheer himself: Vandy Vanderwarker (CDC of The Ordinary) in to the Effin B Radio Studio to add more confusion to the existing confusion behind the feast of seven fishes.  He tells us the qualities he looks for in an after-work watering hole and we explore how solar power is shaping the future of the Christmas Sweater. It’s Merry funny.

Gløgg (aka holiday cheer)

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Mix it up, heat it up, Gløgg it up. This traditional Swedish mulled wine is the perfect way to get your Aunt Rhonda hammered.

INGREDIENTS

1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel
1 (750 ml) bottle port
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups Cognac, brandy, rum, or vodka
Zest of 1 orange, cut into strips
10 cardamom pods
2 sticks cinnamon
10 whole cloves
5 slices peeled fresh ginger
Granulated sugar
10 teaspoons raisins
10 teaspoons blanched almonds
DIRECTIONS

In a nonreactive saucepan, mix together wine, port, 2 cups water, Cognac, orange zest, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; immediately reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.
Strain wine mixture and discard solids. Reheat wine mixture over low heat (do not boil) and stir in enough sugar to reach desired taste. Add 1 teaspoon raisins and 1 teaspoon almonds to each of 10 mugs; fill mugs with wine mixture and serve.